The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-07-06
Brother Will.

AT a Moody and Murphy meeting at
Farwell hall Major Hilton of New
York, being present, was called out by
Mr.. Moody, and made a particularly
impressive address Among other things
he gave the following incident which
occurred not long since on the Scottish
coast while he was there Just at break
of day of chilly morning the people
of little hamlet on the coast were
awakened by the booming of a cannon
over the stormy waves. They knew
what it meant, for frequently they had
heard before the same signal of dis
tress. Some poor souls were out be-
yond the breakers, perishing on a
wrecked vessel, and in their last eX-
tremity calling wildly for human help,
The people fastened from their houses
to the shore. Yes, out there in the dis
lance was a dismantled vessel pound
ing itself to pieces, with perishing fell
low-beings clinging to the rigging,
every now and then some one of them
swept off by the furious waves into the
sea. The life-saving crew was soon
gathered. Man the life-boat," cried
the men. Where is Hardy ?" But
the foreman of the crew was not there
and the danger was imminent. Aid
must be immediate, or all was lost.
The next in command sprang into the
frail boat, followed by the rest, all
taking their lives in their hands in the
hope of saving others. Oh. how those
on the shore watched their brave loved
ones as they dashed on, now over, now
almost under the waves! They reached
| ho Ito onf,a1c Of 1aliuoro 90
they filled their craft with almost dying
men-men lost but for them. Back
again they toiled, pulling for the shore,
bearing their precious freight. The
| first man to help them land was Hardy,
whose words rang above the roar of
the breakers. " Are all here? Did
you save them ALP" With saddened
faces the reply came: All but one.
He couldn't help himself. We had all
we could carry. We couldn't save the
last one.n Man the life-boat again"
shouted Hardy. 81 will go. What!
leave one there to die alone, A fellow
creature there, and we on shore Man
the life-boat nor Wen save him
yet" But who was this aged woman,
with worn garments and disheveled
hair, who with agonized entreaty fell
upon her knees beside this brave,
strong man? 1t was his mother. 30
my son. Your father was drowned in
storm like this. Your brother Will
left me eight years ago, and I've never
seen his face since the day he sailed.
You will be lost and am old and poor.
Oh, stay with me!' Mother" cried
the man, q" where one is in peril there IS
my place. If am lost God will surely
care for YOU" The plea of earnest
faith prevailed. &" With God bless
you, my boy" she released him and
speeded him on his way. Once more
they watched and prayed and walled
those on the shore-while every muscle
was strained toward the fast sinking
ship by those in the life-saving boat.
1t reached the vessel The clinging
figure was lifted and helped to its place,
where strong hands took it in charge.
Back came the boat. How eagerly
they looked and called in encourage
ment, then cheered as it came nearer.
Did you get him?" was the cry from
the shore. Lifting his hand to his
mouth to trumpet the words on in adj
vance of landing, Hardy called back
"Tell mother it is brother WHIP
The Adrdnce.